Introduction
Origin of Van Culture
"On August 10, 1973, vanning truly came into its own with the first National Truck-In... Over 1000 vans attended the event held at Tiger Run, Colorado, located high in the Rocky Mountains. Despite being run by amateurs and volunteers, everything seemed worked out. More than one vanner said it was the "best damned thing" they ever attended. All agreed that the first National Truck-In was successful enough to ensure that there would be another."
Denver's Last Van Club
In the 1970's, there were over 25 van clubs in Denver. These were young people with stock vans, work vans, rusty vans, whatever they could get. "You could play volleyball with one club on Friday, and party with another on Saturday." As people got older, the culture changed. Clubs disbanded. Those who stuck around were making more money. They customized their vans into the show vans we know today. The Colorado Van Council is still around, organizing events with the few remaining clubs in the state.
Notes
Colorado Van Association's 39th Annual Spaghetti Dinner
Denver's New Van Club
By choice or by chance, we live in our rigs. Let’s make a club? Check the Events page for whatever gathering might be next!
"There will always be vanners and vanning, but gone are the days of wide-open parties composed of a few dozen vans in a field with a keg of beer and a pretty good stereo system, and a desire to get together with friends. Maybe."